FRAUD ALERT: Fake, thieving ‘cop’ is on the prowl in Derbyshire

Michael Broomhead

A fake police officer is on the prowl in Derbyshire – stealing money from the elderly and vulnerable.

The county’s force has received reports from residents saying they have been phoned by a man claiming to be an officer with West Midlands Police.

The man says money has been taken from their account and asks the victim to withdraw an amount of cash so it can be “forensically examined”.

In some cases a man has attended the victim’s address and collected the cash and in other incidents a man has collected the victim and taken them to the bank where the money has been withdrawn and handed over.

Sergeant Gareth Fuller, of Derbyshire police, said: “We have noted that recent incidents have been primarily targeted at the elderly and vulnerable members of society.

“While they are not the only victims of the crime, we would like to urge everybody to pass on this message to their parents, grandparents and elderly neighbours.

“I would like to remind residents that the police would never contact you and ask you to withdraw cash under any circumstances.

“By spreading the message we can aim to stamp out fraud and protect more people from falling victim to the crime.”

Report any suspicious incidents to the police immediately by phoning 101 or 999 if the crime is in action.